Chapter 115: Replacement (4)

- Alright,

Reina's Hot Evening Radio

Part Two was with Chronos today, and it was truly exhilarating. I wonder if everyone found as much joy in it as I did.

“Absolutely."

“It was a blast."

- We are so pleased to have you all. I hope we'll cross paths often in the future. Joo-Han, as our representative, would you like to address our listeners?

“Yes, first off, a heartfelt thank you for inviting us to

Reina's Hot Evening Radio

. Senior Reina's warm hospitality made us feel at ease, allowing us to speak freely and comfortably."

- Haha, thank you.

“This was an invaluable opportunity for us to showcase the unique charm of each member. We are immensely grateful. The song we just performed live, Chronos's ‘Blue Room Party,’ was a labor of love that was meticulously crafted by me, Yoo-Joon, and Hyun-Woo. We earnestly hope you'll give it a try. Thank you!"

- You are quite the orator. I know you'll be bustling about from dawn tomorrow. Take good care of yourselves and continue to bring joy with your performances.

"Thank you!"

- Unfortunately, the time has come to bid farewell to our friends from Chronos.

“Ah..." We did our utmost to express our disappointment. Never before had a broadcast allowed us to speak so freely, so we were truly sad that it ended.

Reina empathetically continued, her expression mirroring our sentiment.

- Thank you, Chronos. We'll listen to ‘Blue Room Party’ again and return anew!

Not long after, the song filled the air, and we gracefully removed our headphones and rose.

“Thank you, Senior."

“You guys were exceptional, especially for a first-timer. You nailed the solo tracks too. I should be the one thanking you."

“It's all thanks to your supportive atmosphere." As Joo-Han and the others conversed with Reina, I stepped outside the booth and collected the album we had signed earlier from the manager.

“Senior, this is our latest album, and we'd be honored if you'd accept it."

“Oh? A present? How thoughtful! I'll cherish it. Seeing how much my juniors have grown fills me with joy. You've all done well today!"

We exchanged nods with Reina and the cameramen before swiftly exiting the booth. The director and the writer, who had been observing from the studio, also received our albums and brief greetings as we wrapped up our first radio schedule.

“Great work today. Let's practice quickly and head back."

“Okay.”

Once all our commitments were concluded, Goh Yoo-Joon and Jin-Sung shared a phone in the car back to the company, discussing the radio feedback. In the meantime, Yoon-Chan had dozed off as he was evidently exhausted.

The tension of the entire day justified our weariness. I glanced at Joo-Han, who was seated next to me in the back. His headphones were on, and he wore a contemplative expression, his thoughts seemingly miles away.

“What's on your mind?" I nudged him gently, and he looked at me, attempting a nonchalant shake of his head.

“Nothing. Aren't you tired? Maybe you should rest a bit too."

“No, I plan to freshen up and sleep at the dorm, but you seem troubled."

Joo-Han forced a smile and averted his gaze. It was rare for him to evade conversation, and his mood seemed significantly off. I had an inkling of the cause but chose not to probe.

“We are almost there. Let's get off," said the manager, likely in a sour mood from enduring the members' complaints after the

Flying Man

shoot.

We were about to enter the practice room when Joo-Han stopped. "In-Hyun hyung."

"Yes?"

Just as Joo-Han got out of the car, his face was a mix of neutrality and slight irritation as he addressed the manager. “If you are not too worn out, could we have a word?"

“...Sure. The rest of you, go ahead to the practice room."

“Okay."

We left the two alone without further question, sensing the gravity of the moment. As we walked away, Goh Yoo-Joon muttered beside me, “It's been a while since the ‘No Regret Revolutionary’’ made an appearance."

“Ah."

“In-Hyun hyung definitely crossed the line with the wasabi thing."

“Yeah. I was quite pissed too." Jin-Sung hurried over and chimed in. Given Joo-Han's expression earlier, he seemed extraordinarily angry, perhaps planning not to return until the wee hours.

I stretched my tired body and made my way to the center of the practice room.

“It seems we've all run out of steam today. Practice might just wrap up before Joo-Han returns."

“Maybe, but he seemed more resolute than ever today."

“Everyone, rise. We will start practicing now." Prompted by Jin-Sung's command, I gave one last stretch and moved toward the center of the practice room.

***

In the secluded small conference room of YMM, distant from the lively echoes of Chronos's practice sessions, two figures sat across from each other in darkness, illuminated only by the ghostly glow from the corridor lights streaming through the expansive glass. The air between them was thick with a tension so palpable it was almost audible.

Kang Joo-Han's eyes were downcast, a storm of thoughts swirling behind his lowered lids as he pondered over the right words to address the manager, whose face was a mask of grave contemplation.

After what felt like an eternity, Kang Joo-Han broke the silence, his voice carrying the weight of years. “Since our days as trainees, I've always looked up to you, hyung. You've been a guiding star, so I've remained silent even when the road was rough."

The imperfect system of YMM wasn't foreign to them. After all, Chronos was a far cry from demanding perfection, so they had swept minor complaints under the rug with a smile. However, it was different this time.

“But hyung, no matter what, I can't understand the idea of feeding wasabi to an artist before a performance, especially when it's the main vocalist. The very essence of Chronos's performance was nearly sabotaged."

The air thickened with unsaid words as Kang Joo-Han continued, his frustration evident. “All this while, I thought these abrupt, breathless schedules were things beyond our control. But even then, shouldn't you be there for us when we needed you the most?"

“I'm sorry, Joo-Han. This time with

Flying Man,

the schedule got entangled beyond repair......"

“It's not just about the schedule, hyung. If Hyun-Woo is put in a situation where he has to consume something as ridiculous as wasabi right before a stage, shouldn't you be the one to shield him?"

Indeed, their status as fresh-faced idols in the high-stakes game of

Flying Man

was no secret, but what use was a manager if not to back them in their most vulnerable moments? At that critical moment, Joh In-Hyun had stood by, wringing his hands, awash with worry but silent as a shadow. That... was something Kang Joo-Han couldn’t accept.

“Hyun-Woo was coughing his soul out, hyung. You knew about the wasabi stunt, didn't you? Did you spare a thought for the solo radio live that was to follow?" Joo-Han’s voice was a low growl, each word laced with accusation.

“...I'm sorry.”

“I'm not seeking apologies. I'm seeking change." Their camaraderie had once been a haven, but it was now a breeding ground for complacency. The mistakes were piling up, each worse than the last. If they continued down this path, Kang Joo-Han was concerned about the future— together with Joh In-Hyun.

“I think...”

As they delved deeper into the heart of the matter, the room suddenly flooded with light. Then, Supervisor Kim walked in, his brows furrowed in concern. “What's this about, In-Hyun? I heard something about wasabi."

The sight of Kang Joo-Han's fierce anger and Joh In-Hyun's serious demeanor told Supervisor Kim all he needed to know: something significant had happened with Chronos. “Was it related to today's

Flying Man

shoot or the performance?"

“Umm... We are just...”

Supervisor Kim naturally seated himself beside the manager. Joh In-Hyun's face was etched with embarrassment. Seeing this, Kang Joo-Han didn't hesitate to speak up. “We were just discussing the

Flying Man

shoot."

“Why do you look so grim?"

“There was a part in

Flying Man

where Hyun-Woo had to eat wasabi dumplings, and it was right before our performance."

He didn't beat around the bush. Honestly, this incident had completely soured Kang Joo-Han's feelings toward Joh In-Hyun. While he held affection for In-Hyun, he knew there were times when one had to be dispassionate. After all, his loyalty to the Chronos members and Suh Hyun-Woo was stronger, fostering a desire for a managerial change.

Supervisor Kim's expression hardened as he looked at Joh In-Hyun.

“In-Hyun, again!"

“...Again?"

‘What does that mean?’

Kang Joo-Han was puzzled.

With face reddening in frustration, Supervisor Kim looked at Joh In-Hyun with disdain and gestured for Kang Joo-Han to leave. “Sorry to interrupt your talk, but could you leave us to discuss this privately? Why don’t you head to practice now?"

“Uh? Oh, okay," answered Kang Joo-Han as he left the room, flustered. After all, he had no idea how Joh In-Hyun had transitioned from managing Allure to trainees and then to Chronos.

Once Kang Joo-Han had left, Supervisor Kim was severely upset as he spoke to Joh In-Hyun.

“I told you to check on the kids' conditions, didn't I? Even with a tight schedule, you need to think ahead, especially with high-rated TV shows like this."

This was similar to what had happened with Allure. Joh In-Hyun had been overwhelmed by the desire to get the group on more programs and festivals, so he had scheduled them so tightly that he failed to notice Kim Sae-Yeon's deteriorating condition due to his diet, which ultimately led to his fainting.

As a consequence, the manager was replaced, and Joh In-Hyun was demoted to assisting with Allure and managing trainees before being reassigned to Chronos.

“Now wasabi? Did it not affect Hyun Woo’s voice? Even if

Flying Man

forced it, you should've intervened. Please focus on the kids' well-being and not just success. Don't overwork them like you did with Sae-Yeon. Got it?"

Because of the incident with Allure, Supervisor Kim was particularly sensitive, not just for the artists' sake but also because of how much YMM's image had suffered at that time.

“I'm sorry, sir."

“I can't overlook this. Even if the shooting ended safely this time, how can we trust you not to overstep your bounds again? ...Sigh, there's a meeting tomorrow. Be aware of that."

This was a matter that required firm action, regardless of personal feelings. The past shouldn't repeat itself. As Supervisor Kim walked away, it was clear he had decided to replace Chronos's manager.